Tips for Avoiding Allergies

What triggers allergies?

A number of different allergens trigger allergies in people, with
some of the most common including pollen, dust, mould and pets.

What types of weather lead to high pollen count?

The Weatherzone Pollen Index measures the potential for pollen to
trigger allergic reactions in susceptible people. Pollen levels in
the atmosphere will be highest on hot days and on days where a dry
wind is blowing. Additionally, light rain overnight or during the
early morning will also cause high pollen levels. These are the days
when you will experience the telltale symptoms of a runny nose, watery
eyes, itchy skin and nasal congestion.

What are some tips to avoid allergies around the house?

Clean surfaces regularly, to avoid the accumulation of dust

Avoid feather and down pillows

Don't hang sheets or clothing outside to dry on days of high pollen count

Avoid high pile carpets, as they offer places for dust and allergens to hide

Keep your pet away from bedrooms and off all furniture

Wash your pet weekly

Try to stay indoors on days of high pollen count

Avoid mowing lawns or wear a mask if it is unavoidable

Your 4-day Travel Pollen Index Forecast

Check the pollen forecast for:

About the Pollen Index

EXTREME: Most sufferers of pollen allergies will experience symptoms on extreme pollen level days.
Symptoms may be severe in some sufferers. These days typically occur as a result of high temperatures and/or dry, hot winds, so the
best precaution is to stay indoors.

VERY HIGH: Most sufferers of pollen allergies will experience symptoms on very high pollen level
days. These days are typically warm and dry so the best precaution is to stay indoors away from sources of pollen.

HIGH: Some sufferers of pollen allergies will experience symptoms on high pollen level days, but
these are unlikely to be severe. Temperatures are likely to be warm on these days, but there may be a limiting factor such as rain
or sea breezes.

MODERATE: A few sufferers of pollen allergies may experience symptoms on moderate pollen level
days. These are typically cooler days or days on which rain is expected to "flush" the pollen out of the air.

LOW: Very few sufferers of pollen allergies would be expected to experience symptoms on low
pollen level days. These are typically either cold or wet days when there is likely to be little pollen released into the atmosphere.